Novak Djokovic has pulled out from the 2024 Miami Open as he shifts his focus to preparing for the clay-court season following his surprise defeat in Indian Wells.
The world No. 1 appeared poised to make a comeback at the ATP Masters 1000 event in Miami for the first time since 2016. However, the announcement will be disheartening for fans who had been anticipating watching the tennis legend in South Florida.
The 2024 Miami Open is scheduled from March 20-31, shortly after the conclusion of Indian Wells on Sunday, March 17. Djokovic, who has triumphed in the Miami tournament six times, shares the record with eight-time Grand Slam champion and fellow icon Andre Agassi.
Djokovic had been absent from both the 'Sunshine Double' events in Indian Wells and Miami for eight years but returned to compete at the former earlier this month.
The 36-year-old faced a shocking defeat in three sets against 20-year-old Italian Luca Nardi, ranked world No 123, in the third round of the Indian Wells Masters on Tuesday.
Serbian journalist Sasa Ozmo, a reporter for Sport Klub, has confirmed Djokovic's decision not to participate in Miami following his early exit in the Californian desert.
After his defeat to Nardi in Indian Wells, Djokovic was critical of his own performance and admitted that not having won a title this year yet represents a new sensation for him.
“I could have done everything different. I mean, as I said, very poor performance from my side,” he said in his press conference.
“No titles this year. That’s not something I’m used to. I was starting the season most of my career with a Grand Slam win or, you know, Dubai win, or any or tournament.
“It’s fine. You know, it’s part of the sport. You just have to accept it. Some you win; some you lose. Hopefully I’ll win some more and still keep going.
“I guess every trophy that eventually comes my way is going to be great (smiling), obviously to break the kind of negative cycle a little bit I’m having in the last three, four tournaments where I haven’t really been close to my best.”
The 24-time Grand Slam champion did not confirm whether he would play in Miami immediately after losing to Nardi and said he needed time to reflect as he was “still hot-headed.”
Djokovic was beaten by eventual champion Jannik Sinner in the semi-finals of the 2024 Australian Open in January to suffer his first loss at the event since 2018.